Large Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Cat Pillow, Yi Qian Tang Mark, Late Qing/Republic

A large and finely hand-painted Chinese porcelain figure of a recumbent cat, executed in the famille rose palette. The hollow body is lavishly decorated with auspicious motifs including peaches (longevity), pomegranates (fertility), butterflies (joy), and profuse floral sprays, all outlined in black against a white glaze ground. The head is detailed with expressive orange whiskers, floral embellishments, and painted almond eyes. The underside bears an iron-red six-character inscription reading Yi Qian Tang Zhi (“Made by the Hall of Righteous Modesty”) and Long Nian Zhi (“Year of the Dragon”), indicating private workshop production during the late Qing Guangxu period (1875–1908) or early Republic era. Two apertures on the underside suggest use as a vessel or traditional ceramic pillow.

Comparable famille rose cat pillows from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whether marked Guangxu or unmarked, are held in both museum collections and have appeared in the auction market, with simpler cobalt-decorated Republic period examples reaching prices in the $700–$1,500 range. This example’s vivid enameling, complete condition, and clear period mark place it among the finer and more desirable examples.

Condition:
Excellent, with no damage. Enamels remain vivid and the glaze lustrous.

Dimensions:
7 x 4.5 x 12 inches (Height x Width x Depth).

Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo